09/08/2021
On Saturday night, Chicago Police Officer Ella French and two other officers assigned to the Community Safety Team were conducting a traffic stop on Chicago’s South Side. During the vehicle investigation, the passenger pulled a gun and opened fire, striking two of the three officers. Though gravely wounded, they were able to return fire and hit the gunman. Ella suffered a fatal gunshot wound to the head during the attack. Her partner remains in critical condition, fighting for his life after being shot multiple times. All three suspects involved have been taken into custody.
Officer Ella Grace French is remembered as one of the good ones. She was a bright, charismatic young woman who joined the Chicago Police Department back in 2018. She was proud to wear the badge, and brought honor and distinction to what it stands for. Officer French was a person of integrity and always believed in doing the right thing. Most importantly, she took this job to help people. Ella was assigned to the 10th District but respectfully requested to be detailed to the Community Safety Team to try and make a difference in a city plagued by gun violence. Officer Ella French leaves behind her Mother and Brother, and would’ve celebrated her 30th birthday at the end of this month.